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Derry gears up for all that Jazz

Venues throughout Derry are this week readying themselves for the influx of musicians, local music lovers and tourists about to spill through their doors, as the 2012 City of Derry Jazz Festival gets into full swing.

Last year over 35,000 people flocked to enjoy the talents of over 300 performers from home and abroad, and this year promises to be the best festival yet. Van Morrison kicks things off on Wednesday evening at the Millennium Forum, with the first of two amazing shows by the music legend – the perfect start to a jam-packed weekend of jazz, blues, soul and swing.

On Thursday the Jive Aces will swing into action, fresh from their appearance on Britain’s Got Talent, where they actually brought a smile to Simon Cowell’s face with their blistering performance of ‘Wanna Be Like You’. Supported by Holby City actress Rebecca Grant it will be a star studded evening guaranteed to get you on the dance floor.

Other highlights during the weekend include London based trio Troyka, Kitten and the Hip, Paul McIntyre Quartet with Jean Toussaint, David Lyttle and John Leighton to name but a few.

Meanwhile soul sensation Ruby Turner, supported by vocal harmony group the Swing Gals, are bringing a touch of glamour to the festival on Saturday night at the City Hotel. While also appearing on Saturday at An Culturlann will be Irish singer-songwriter Mick Flannery, who knocked no less than Madonna from the top spot of the Irish album charts.

Speaking ahead of the festival, Mayor of the City, Alderman Maurice Devenney, said he was confident that this year’s event would do the city proud. “As always we have an amazing line-up of talent from both home and abroad, and the interest in this year’s festival has been unbelievable.

“It’s a true testimony to the city’s musical heritage that so many artists support the festival, and return each year to take part in such a unique celebration of music. And thanks to the continued support of our sponsors, Guinness, people can enjoy over 90% of those performances for free.”

Derry City Council’s Director of Development Oonagh McGillion said the sense of anticipation is really building ahead of the event. She said the jazz festival was one of a series of major events for the city over the coming months including the Olympic Torch Relay, the Peace One Day concert and the Clipper festival.

“The City of Derry Jazz Festival is a great opportunity for the public to go out and enjoy themselves. The variety of music across a host of venues over the four days is phenomenal and there is a real sense of excitement building up ahead of the festival. It’s the perfect chance for us to showcase the city and its talent ahead of our City of Culture year in 2013, and to show all that is positive about the city and region.”

For more information about the festival, which runs until Monday May 7, and a full programme, see www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com, or go to www.facebook.com/DerryJazzFestival

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For further press information contact Derry City Council’s Marketing and Communications Section, Tel. 028 7137 6504.

 

Aces to headline Mayor’s charity evening

The 2012 City of Derry Jazz Festival gets off to a flying start on Thursday night at the Mayor’s special charity event, with music by the Jive Aces supported by the Red Stripe Band.

The event, which is being hosted by the Tower Hotel, is in aid of two very worthy local causes this year, the MS Society Foyle Branch, and the Parkinsons Society, Foyle Branch, and it promises to be an amazing evening’s entertainment.

Speaking ahead of the show, the city’s Mayor, Alderman Maurice Devenney, said he hoped everyone would turn out in support of the event. “This should be an extremely enjoyable evening in aid of two local charities who, through their dedicated work, provide invaluable care for people throughout the city. I would invite everyone to come along and offer their support, and enjoy what promises to be an eventful and entertaining night.”

Fresh from their appearance on Britain’s Got Talent, where they actually brought a smile to Simon Cowell’s face with their blistering performance of ‘Wanna Be Like You’, the Jive Aces are firm festival favourites, and with only two performances lined up this year, this is a show not to be missed. The Aces are anxiously awaiting word from the Britain’s Got Talent judges to find out if they have made it through to the next stage of the competition, and are counting on the support of their Derry fanbase.

They are being supported on the night by Holby City actress Rebecca Grant, who will bring a touch of glamour to the proceedings. And not forgetting The Red Stripe Band, led by eccentric raconteur Red Stripe, who promise an unforgettable adrenalin filled performance to round off a fantastic night, and the perfect start to the 2012 City of Derry Jazz Festival.

The event begins at 7pm and tickets are priced at £5, available from the Tower Hotel on 02871 371000. For more information on the city of Derry Jazz Festival check out www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com, or follow all the news on www.facebook.com/DerryJazzFestival

 

All female vocal group set to wow festival

Swing out sisters!

If you’re a seasoned jazz festival goer, then you’re probably hoping to take in something a bit different this year, and The Swing Gals certainly tick all the right boxes.

The group is the only all girl vocal collective to hail from the North, and their sophisticated vocal harmonies and colourful costumes have already won them widespread acclaim.

Founding member of the group, Kathy McKeagney, who formed the band while at university, said that they were out to prove this year that the ladies can certainly hold their own in the male dominated jazz industry.

“I think that we are a bit of a novelty because while there are plenty of female performers in pop and other styles of music, there are so few female acts in jazz,” she explains.

“And we are unique in that we are a vocal harmony group – it’s just us and a piano - so there’s nowhere to hide as far as the vocals go. Our repertoire is mainly based on swing classics and jazz standards, and it’s very upbeat, which makes it extremely entertaining.”

And their sophisticated interpretations of jazz, pop and easy listening favourites are popular with both male and female audiences alike.

“Although it’s an all girl act, we find that we seem to appeal to all music fans, and we have had lots of positive feedback about the show. In style I would compare us to the Andrews Sisters, or maybe the Puppini Sisters who perform with Michael Buble. We have four vocalists and one piano and we focus a lot on the music from the 30’s and 40’s.”

And the girls are hoping to learn a thing or two from the legendary Ruby Turner, who they will be supporting on the night.

“This is the first time we have played the festival, and we’re really looking forward to it, especially the opportunity to meet Ruby Turner, who is amazing and a real icon for jazz fans,” she said.

“We’ve heard a lot of positive stuff about the event, and one of the girls is married to someone from Derry, so all the in-laws will be there to cheer us on. There’s a wonderful music tradition in the city and it will be so great to be a part of that.”

You can see the Swing Gals when they support Ruby Turner at the City Hotel during the jazz festival, on Saturday May 5. For a full line-up of festival events, go to www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com or follow it on www.facebook.com/DerryJazzFestival

 

Troyka keep pushing those boundaries

London based trio Troyka have been creating a bit of a stir in the Jazz world with their distinctive and pleasingly uncontradictory jazz-rock style. The band's new album Moxxy will be released in June, and next weekend they bring their music to the north west for the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival. But they won't be playing Buble, as guitarist Chris Montague explains...

Reviews have described your music as transgressive, and a real crossover between jazz and rock, how would you describe your sound?

"I found a good definition of the word transgressive - 'exceeding a limit or boundary, especially of social acceptability.'

"I'd like to think that what we do does somehow exceed what is expected of a 'jazz' trio. When we started playing together we were all playing in many different types of bands which helped to find an identity, mainly because there were elements of all those genres that we loved and hated! We all listen and play stuff outside of the jazz tradition and it really informs how we write for Troyka, it's an anything goes approach. Although lots of journalists have picked up on the rock side of things, we all love electronic music, dance music, blues, this all comes into it for us when we play."

Influences?

"This is a tough one for me! When we started playing we were very much into Wayne Krantz and his trio (Keith Carlock, Tim Lefebvre), we would all listen to this stuff on our way to gigs and try to emulate the energy and the way they could improvise at the same time, not just one person taking a solo which is much more conventional. Later on we listened to Tim Berne, Aphex Twin and Django Bates. At the moment there is a lot more blues and the American Guitar player Bill Frisell."

Why tramp the jazz circuit? Surely not the genre of choice for young musicians in pursuit of fame and fortune!

"It definitely isn't the music for fame and fortune that's for sure! I've been fortunate to play in many different situations but I always find the most pleasure in this sort of music, something that has improvisation and spontaneity at its core.

"Jazz is always different every time you play it. That might be strange for some people to appreciate, but it feels incredible when you pull it off, almost like magic, and the audiences definitely understand when these moments happen. I also love to write my own music (especially for players like Kit Downes and Josh Blackmore) and perform it to audiences that listen to you with an open mind. I don't have any ambitions to be rich and famous but I do have ambitions to improve my music and musicianship every day."

Is jazz making a bit of a resurgence do you think?

"I think the music has always been relevant and pushing boundaries, but it wasn't always on the radar for most listeners. In the last decade there have been more young bands like us putting out albums and playing in venues that wouldn't normally have jazz or improv. I think this is a good thing and it has been reflected in a different type of audience coming to listen. "As always though, these things tend to come down to money! Whilst the music is thriving, I don't always think this is mirrored in the financial rewards. In the last few years cuts to arts funding has had a definite negative effect on many promoters and jazz organisations."

Will traditional jazz lovers enjoy your music or is it more - or less - of a challenge?

"I always thought jazz listeners were up for a challenge? All the jazz greats did new things that caused a rumpus first time round, I think we should try and emulate this example. Our music isn't Michael Buble if that's what you mean, but I reckon if they kept an open mind they'd love it. I'm always delighted and shocked after gigs when we get elderly music fans coming to tell us how much they enjoyed it."

You're obviously creating a bit of a stir at the moment, and playing some pretty great venues, but how important are local festivals such as the Derry Jazz Festival in showcasing your work for a more mainstream audience?

"It's absolutely vital because it brings a new crowd that might not venture into some of the more established venues. We are very excited about playing in Derry, I've heard so many good things about this area and I hope I get to see a bit of the city. We're playing for two nights which gives us a chance to relax and have a good time whilst we're playing, this always brings out the best in musicians. Hopefully the audience will be impressed enough to buy our new album 'Moxxy' which comes out on Edition records in June."

Troyka feature during next weekend's City of Jazz Festival at Sandino's and Bennigan's Bar, for more information about the gigs check out www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com

 

Jazz Festival gets a bit of teen spirit

For most teenagers Jazz conjures up images of guys in black berets who click their fingers a lot and use words like 'Daddy-o' - but there has been a bit of a Jazz renaissance in the north west.

And next weekend the 2012 City of Derry Jazz Festival will feature no less than six youth jazz bands, out to give the festival regulars a run for their money. Young musicians from local colleges will play a series of outdoor gigs in the Guildhall Square over the course of the weekend, taking the 'hip' out of hip replacement, and claiming jazz music as a genre for the younger generation.

St. Cecilia’s College Jazz Band will be the first to take centre stage at 4.30pm on Friday, with pupils aged from 11 to 18 showcasing their talents. Speaking ahead of the event, student Amy Kelly explained that jazz is definitely making a bit of a comeback. "I've enjoyed listening to jazz music ever since I heard Ella Fitzgerald perform, and when I was in Year 12 I developed a love for the style," she recalls.

"I play keyboard in the band and it's enriched my love for jazz and made me more enthusiastic about the style. I think the music is making a comeback because more schools are establishing jazz groups and obviously events like the festival offer the chance to experience a new style of music. Jazz has made a significant contribution to hip-hop and rap. Without it, the music that many young people are listening to simply wouldn’t exist."

Her bandmate Aoife Doherty outlined some of the highlights of their set. "People can expect a fun type of jazz alongside jazz solos, where the students use improvisation in the pieces," she revealed. "You can expect to hear some jazz classics such as 'Green Onions' and 'Watermelon Man'. We do songs as well such as 'Valerie' where the singer joins in with the band, and we really just let loose and enjoy our performance."

On Sunday Limavady Grammer School Jazz Band will demonstrate their skills, and according to sixth former Jillian Robb, artists such as Adele are bringing the music to a new generation. She said:

"I first became interested in Jazz music in Primary 7 when I visited the school's open night and I heard the Jazz Band perform their rendition of ‘I got you’. I started playing in the band in Year 8, firstly playing clarinet and then going on to play the saxophone.

"It's been wonderful to see performers such as Jamie Cullum and Adele increase the popularity of Jazz music among the younger generations. Their unique styles and their obvious passion have furthered my interest and enjoyment, especially in improvisation. "

Like many jazz fans, former festival headliner Jools Holland first brought Matthew Alexander in contact with the music.

"My first memories of Jazz from my childhood centre around New Year's Eve parties with Jools Holland turned up on the TV," he remembers. "I went to see his band perform in the Forum in the Derry Festival a few years ago, and soon after I borrowed a cornet from the school with a mission to teach myself enough over the summer join the school jazz band.

"There's something in everyone that is evoked when listening to Jazz, that's why the festivals in Derry and Limavady are so successful in bringing the community together."

Also appearing over the weekend will be the Errigal Groove Orchestra, the University of Ulster Big Band, the Foyle College Jazz Band and University of Ulster's The Birth of Cool. For a full line-up of the events taking place over the May Bank Holiday weekend see www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com, and follow all the news on www.facebook.com/DerryJazzFestival

 

Jazz favourites set for Tower charity event

Returning to the City of Derry Jazz Festival this year are firm festival favourites, the Kings of Rhythm, who put their own unique stamp on jazz classics, raising the roof with their energetic style.

This year the band will be playing a special charity gig at the Tower Hotel on May 6, with all proceeds going to Foyle Search and Rescue.

The Liverpudlian quintet first burst onto the music scene in 2001, brought together by a shared love of jazz and swing, and a passion for good quality performance. Led by John McCormick on double bass, the band consists of an experienced group of professional musicians and entertainers, who over the years have worked with an impressive star-studded line-up, from Van Morrison to Peggy Lee.

The guys play an eclectic mix of music, paying tribute to the work of their favourite crooners, right through to Jamie Cullum and Robbie Williams.

Speaking ahead of the festival, John said they were looking forward to making a return to the venue that has become a real highlight in their own musical calendar. “We were delighted to be asked again this year because Derry has become a real favourite place for us. It was a real eye opener when we first came here, because a lot of people in the UK don’t realise is that N. Ireland - and particularly Derry - is such a cool place to be. There is a real vibe about the city, and it really comes across to us that the people there love life and are out to have a great time.

“It really strikes us as a band who perform a lot of Rat Pack music, that where normally we would have a lot of people at our gigs from the over 50’s brigade, at the festival there’s a real cross-section of the generations out to have a good time. We put plenty of energy and a bit of kick into our performances, starting with a bit of Sinatra, some Dean Martin and then gradually working it up to some Buble, and even a bit of Tom Jones. And of course coming from Liverpool we’re always being asked for a bit of Beatles stuff, and we’re always happy to oblige.”

The Kings of Rhythm will be appearing at the Tower Hotel on Sunday May 6, at 9pm. Admission £8 and all proceeds go to Foyle Search and Rescue.

 

Joes out to deliver an Ace performance

With less than a week to go until the opening of the North’s biggest music event, the 2012 City of Derry Jazz Festival, the pressure is on to make it the most memorable weekend yet.

And out to really impress the crowds during their festival debut this year will be exciting ‘jump jive’ act the Regular Joes. They will fill the shoes of festival regulars The Jive Aces, who unfortunately have to exit the event early this year following two much anticipated opening night performances at the Tower Hotel and DaVinci’s Hotel.

But the Joes are undaunted at having to meet the benchmark set by the Aces, who they regularly share a stage with, and are confident that their exciting blend of old-school R&B, Jump Blues, and classic swing will certainly hit the spot.

Speaking ahead of the event, frontman Martin Chilvers said that, while the Jive Aces were a hard act to follow, they were going all out to deliver some show stopping performances.

“Well this is our first year at the festival, and we’ve shared a stage with the Jive Aces many times, so we know what we have to live up to. But we have a few tricks up our sleeve, and we have a few more members, including our five piece horn section, so maybe we can outdo them, well in volume at least,” he joked.

“Our music is from a similar era - we recreate the era of the small school swing bands who were around before the big band scene. The Regular Joes are a really dynamic band, and it’s a very rhythmic and visual show - perfect for getting out for a dance. And we have our own dancers and sit down theatre shows, so we’re certainly an entertaining band in our own right.”

And according to Chilvers, their eclectic blend of music should appeal to young and old alike.

“We cover a whole spectrum of music, and a lot of our stuff is inspired by legends such as Louis Jordan and Louis Prima, so it’s a really lively set,” he explained.

“This is our first visit to Derry and we’re really looking forward to it, we’ve heard so many positive things about the festival, and we’re really out to prove ourselves to the discerning Derry crowd.

“We find that the music appeals to all ages, the kids seem to love it as well as it’s so energetic. If people want entertainment, then they won’t be disappointed.”

The Regular Joes will perform at a number of venues throughout the festival including The Metro, The City Hotel, The Strand Bar and Foyleside Shopping Centre.

For more information on the festival, which takes place May 3-7, go to www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com or follow all the latest news on Facebook, www.facebook.com/DerryJazzFestival

 

Band plans festival return despite arson attack

Vandals haven't spoilt jazz vibe

Top swing band the Jiveoholics are planning a show stopping return to the city for this year's City of Derry Jazz Festival, despite being targeted by callous vandals who set fire to their equipment during last year's event.

The six-piece from Wales were woken by fire crews tackling the blaze outside their hotel on the first night of the festival, and thought they would have to return home after their equipment was destroyed.

But thanks to the "overwhelming kindness" shown to the band in the aftermath of the attack, they managed to complete all of their gigs and are now looking forward to a different experience of the city.

Speaking ahead of the event Jiveoholics saxophonist, the aptly named Crac Downes, said they hope to repay the good will shown to them with a few stellar performances.

"I have to say that it was a bit of a weird experience and not something we've ever encountered before," he admits.

"Overall though, although we did have such a bad experience with the van, we had a fantastic time in Derry. And in fact we received so much support from people afterwards, that it really did turn a rather negative incident into a positive experience for us.

"Henderson's Music Shop provided us with all the instruments to complete our gigs, and the organisers were more than helpful in getting us sorted out."

And the band are looking forward to some bigger gigs, and spending a bit more time exploring the city, according to Downes.

"This year we will be playing some bigger venues, which is great, and we will be on the open air stage at the Guildhall on the Sunday which promises to be a really good show. Although people who enjoyed the music last year can expect more of the same, we will be playing some new tunes, as we now have a female singer and it allows us to perform some new material.

"But I think most of all we are looking forward to having a more relaxing time this year, without all the running about organising things that we had to do last year. It will give us a chance to see more of Derry, which seems like such a cool town, and have a good laugh, because there's such a good atmosphere at the festival. We're really looking forward to it."

The Jiveoholics will play at a number of venues throughout the City of Derry Jazz Festival weekend, May 3-7, including Karma Restaurant, the Tower Hotel and the Dungloe Bar. See the full programme for details at www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com.

 

Striking the right note for local Jazz

While most people are looking forward to kicking up their heels at the City of Derry Jazz Festival next week, and the excuse for a few nights out - just to support local culture of course - for some there will be little time to relax and soak up the music.

Among them will be local talented Jazz figure Paul McIntyre, who takes to the stage at a series of local venues throughout the May Bank Holiday weekend, but luckily is well accustomed to the rigours of the music festival scene throughout Ireland and the UK.

McIntyre is one of a handful of artists involved with the festival since day one back in 2002, when a few visionary music lovers, headed up by Johnny Murray and Gerry McColgan, were tasked by Derry City Council with establishing a music event that was a fitting showcase for local talent and would make our mark on the tourist map.

Eleven years on, and the numbers have swelled from the initial 7,000 who curiously meandered through the streets to see what all the fuss was about, to over 35,000 dedicated music lovers who crammed into the bars to see acts at last year's event.

And while the festival has evolved to embrace a whole spectrum of musical styles, from rhythm and blues to jive and swing, as a stalwart of modern jazz, Paul McIntyre is adamant that the festival shouldn't forget the music that set the whole ball rolling.

"Jack McGouran, who is behind the Cork Festival, had a significant role in the planning of the event here," he explains. "The Cork festival provided the original template for the Derry Jazz Festival, and you can see the potential for its expansion and development as a truly international European jazz festival. I am optimistic that there’s now a golden opportunity for this city and its jazz festival with the upcoming City of Culture in 2013. I think that the nucleus of purist jazz needs to expand and that will give licence for more artists to come along and get involved in the festival. It’s so important to look after the purist side."

Dr McIntyre, a talented pianist who has a PhD in jazz performance, obviously knows what he is talking about, and not just on paper. He was born into Derry's premier jazz family, and began playing alongside his father, Jazz legend Gay McIntyre, and his great-uncle Josie McIntyre.

"That was the original McIntyre Trio," he jokes. "I remember my first UTV appearance debut with them when I was only five. So music has just always been a passion and a way of life for me. It's actually an endless learning experience.

"There is a longevity associated with jazz, it's constantly challenging you to exercise your mind and it keeps you active. The proof is in the pudding because you see so many octogenarian jazz artists still playing and doing what they love best."

And his father is true testament to that fact, just releasing his first album at the age of 77. But jazz is an art form that is bridging the generations now more than ever, helped along by festivals such as our own, McIntyre insists.

"I wouldn’t say that jazz is something that belongs to any particular age group, we see all age groups at our performances and jazz is still very much a contemporary art form. We have people who come along, listen to us and say 'Wow, I actually really enjoyed that', and we'll see them back again at the next performance, which is fantastic."

As always the May Bank Holiday will be a busy weekend for the McIntyres, but Paul is hopeful he might snatch a few moments to check out some of the other talent involved.

A former member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, tenor saxophonist Jean Toussaint joins the Paul McIntyre Trio for what promise to be fabulous jazz performances on both the Saturday and Sunday of the festival. Dublin tenor saxophonist Rob Geraghty joins the trio on the Friday night.

You can see the Paul McIntyre Quartet perform at the Playhouse, the Everglades Hotel, The City Hotel, and Karma Restaurant. See www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com for more information and regular updates via Facebook at www.facebook.com/DerryJazzFestival.

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Leighton to debut new work at jazz festival

2011 was a good year for John Leighton. The Belfast based musician has found favour with the critics following the release of his debut album, Dramatic Life, which "Is even selling well in Japan," he jokes, "Who would have thought?"

And as he prepares to raise a few eyebrows with some rather intriguing performances at the City of Derry Jazz Festival, Leighton reflects on the new direction his music is taking him. "Well I've always been guilty of punching above my weight and I'm always setting myself new targets," he admits.

"So I think people are going to be surprised when they catch the shows this time round, as I've been trying out a lot of new material. And I'm bringing over a Swedish vocalist from London, Emelia Martensson, which I'm really over the moon about. We're kind of on the same wavelength as performers, as both of us are grounded really in folk music - and Amelia's background is obviously rooted in the folk music she grew up with in Sweden.

"Then I have a violinist, Alice Zawadzki, performing with us, and she's really unique as she harmonises vocally with the violin as she plays. So it should be a totally different performance, with a really good vibe."

This is Leighton's third appearance at the jazz festival, and as he continues to develop his own distinct musical style, such platforms for his work have become even more important to him.

"I'm always conscious that the same people are coming back year after year, and I want to provide something fresh. Last time round I focused on the music from the album, so I thought I'd mix it up a bit and play something a bit more interesting this time. I think that with so many performers with so many different styles, you want to stand out from the crowd and keep it interesting.

"I've been writing a lot over the past few months and while I have been based in Belfast, I'm spending a bit more time at home in Eglinton," he explains. "I've almost got the second album written now, and I'm recording a single from it in May with Amelia, so I'm excited about that."

With HMV taking on the distribution of his first album, Leighton is hopeful that his second album will be just as well received. And more accustomed to facing his audience from behind a piano, he is even providing the vocals on a number of the new tracks. "This is something that's definitely new to me," he reveals. "I've been broadening my musical palate a bit on this album, which is a bit of a mix of jazz, pop and folk, and I think my songwriting has definitely improved. "

Although determined to bring something new to the festival this year, Leighton still points to the influence of the jazz icons of the past, whose fingerprints remain on the music being produced today. He will present the third instalment of his Icons of Jazz series at Sandino's, this year a celebration of the work of Charlie Parker. "I think it's important for people to have an understanding of where the music comes from, and an insight into these performer's lives. The fundamental mark they have made on music should be recognised and celebrated," he stresses.

"And I have to say a really big thanks to the organisers of the festival for allowing me to put on these alternative shows. They have been so supportive over the years, and it's thanks to them that artists like myself can bring over other performers, and get great slots in incredible venues like the Playhouse. It really is an amazing opportunity for anyone starting out to have that kind of support."

You can see John Leighton performing some of his new material at the Playhouse and Sandinos during the City of Derry Jazz Festival, May 3-7, for more information go to www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com.

 

13th February 2012

Mr Van Morrison announces a show in The Millennium Forum as part of the Jazz Festival

The Millennium Forum has just announced that the legendary, VAN MORRISON, will perform at the Derry venue on Thursday 3rd May as part of the City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival. Tickets go on sale @ 10am from the Box Office on Thursday 16th February. Telephone 71 264455 or visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk

Chief Executive, David McLaughlin, commented:

“We are delighted to welcome this iconic artist to our stage once again, as part of our ongoing commitment to bring the best in world class entertainment to the North West region. Van has performed in the City many times throughout the years to capacity audiences, so I’m sure that local fans will, once again, ensure that his gig at the Forum will be one of the highlights of this year’s Jazz Festival. I have no doubt that there will be a huge demand for tickets, so I would encourage everyone to book their seat early to avoid disappointment. Currently celebrating our 10th Anniversary Year, we can certainly look forward to many more acts of a similarly high calibre in the coming months.”

The Mayor, Alderman Maurice Devenney has welcomed news that Van Morrison is to headline the 2012 City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival. “This year’s festival is going to bigger and better than ever before and confirmation that Van Morrison is to be performing at the Millennium Forum as part of the festival is fantastic news for music lovers across the city and wider region. Van Morrison was a hugely popular act when he performed at the festival some years back and we are delighted that he has agreed to return and be part of this year’s celebrations. The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival is fast becoming one of Ireland’s most popular music events and this year’s event promises to be a huge success with an excellent line up of international and local jazz and big band performers. For further information about the festival visit www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com Tel 028 71 376545.”

Van Morrison is without a doubt one of the most original recording artists in musical history. His live shows are always inspired and transcendental while some of his albums such as Astral Weeks, Moondance and It’s Too Late To Stop Now are widely viewed as among the best ever made. His songwriting has influenced everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Bono, Damien Rice to Paolo Nutini, Elvis Costello to Jim Morrison... The list is endless.

Brown Eyed Girl, Madame George and Moondance were three of his songs that were included in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. Van Morrison has 6 Grammys and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll and Songwriters Hall of Fame.

The once off set list for the show will feature a selection of his greatest hits and songs that have a particular resonance to his Irish roots and is set to be one of the musical highlights of 2012.

Van Morrison performs at the Millennium Forum on Thursday 3rd May. Tickets go on sale from the Box Office @ 10am on Thursday 16th February and are priced at £66.50. Telephone 71 264455 or visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk for tickets.

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Van with The Band tinyurl.com/3w8eq5e

The Last Waltz 1976
Greil Marcus, in attendance at the concert, wrote: "Van Morrison turned the show around...singing to the rafters and ...burning holes in the floor. It was a triumph, and as the song ended Van began to kick his leg into the air out of sheer exuberance and he kicked his way right offstage like a Rockette. The crowd had given him a fine welcome and they cheered wildly when he left." The filmed concert served as the basis for Martin Scorsese's 1978 film.

 

Van teams up with The Band again at the Berlin Wall with Snowy from Lizzy on Guitar. Comfortably Numb tinyurl.com/yburh53

 

The Vanlose Stairway, with Georgie Fame tinyurl.com/68ms3ee

 

And the song that launched a million bands: G. L. O. R. I. A.
That wonderful Pirate Mick Green on Guitar, Jools Holland on piano tinyurl.com/6bw92zh

 

"Van Morrison is interested, obsessed with how much musical or verbal information he can compress into a small space, and, almost, conversely, how far he can spread one note, word, sound, or picture. To capture one moment, be it a caress or a twitch. He repeats certain phrases to extremes that from anybody else would seem ridiculous, because he's waiting for a vision to unfold, trying as unobtrusively as possible to nudge it along...It's the great search, fueled by the belief that through these musical and mental processes illumination is attainable. Or may at least be glimpsed."
Lester Bangs

 

“It is at the heart of Morrison’s presence as a singer that when he lights on certain sounds, certain small moments inside a song—hesitations, silences, shifts in pressure, sudden entrances, slamming doors—can then suggest whole territories, completed stories, indistinct ceremonies, far outside anything that can be literally traced in the compositions that carry them.”
Greil Marcus

 

"Astral Weeks is about the power of the human voice – ecstatic agony, agonising ecstasy. Here is an Irish tenor reborn as a White Negro – a Caucasian Soul Man – pleading and beseeching over a bed of dreamy folk-jazz instrumentation: acoustic bass, brushed drums, vibes and acoustic guitar, the odd string quartet – and of course flute."
Barney Hoskyns

 

"As a physical fact, Morrison may have the richest and most expressive voice pop music has produced since Elvis Presley, and with a sense of himself as an artist that Elvis was always denied."
Greil Marcus

 

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